Spender and Spender

In the matter of *Spender and Spender*, heard by Cronin J, the proceedings concerned an application by the wife for interim orders and, by way of amendment, for final orders in family law proceedings. The husband sought security for costs.

The court was required to determine whether to grant the wife leave to file an amended application seeking final orders, whether to dismiss the application for interim orders, and whether to order the wife to provide security for the husband's costs.

Cronin J ordered the removal of Ms B as a respondent and granted the wife leave to file an amended application for final orders. The application for interim orders was dismissed. Crucially, the court ordered the wife to pay $20,000 into her solicitors' trust account as security for costs, with her application for final orders to stand dismissed if this payment was not evidenced by 4 pm on 27 July 2011. The husband was excused from filing a financial statement until further order, and liberty to apply was granted. Provisions were also made for parties to make written submissions regarding costs.